08.006
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
हते द्रोणे महेष्वासे तस्मिन्नहनि भारत। कृते च मोघसङ्कल्पे द्रोणपुत्रे महारथे ॥८-६-१॥
On that day, when the great archer Droṇa was killed, and the plans of Droṇa's son, the great chariot-warrior, were rendered futile, O descendant of Bharata.
द्रवमाणे महाराज कौरवाणां बले तथा। व्यूह्य पार्थः स्वकं सैन्यमतिष्ठद्भ्रातृभिः सह ॥८-६-२॥
As the Kaurava army was in retreat, O great king, Arjuna organized his forces and stood firm with his brothers.
तमवस्थितमाज्ञाय पुत्रस्ते भरतर्षभ। द्रवच्च स्वबलं दृष्ट्वा पौरुषेण न्यवारयत् ॥८-६-३॥
Seeing him standing there, your son, O best of the Bharatas, realized the situation and courageously restrained his fleeing army.
स्वमनीकमवस्थाप्य बाहुवीर्ये व्यवस्थितः। युद्ध्वा च सुचिरं कालं पाण्डवैः सह भारत ॥८-६-४॥
O Bharata, having positioned his own army and relying on the strength of his arms, he engaged in a prolonged battle with the Pandavas.
लब्धलक्षैः परैर्हृष्टैर्व्यायच्छद्भिश्चिरं तदा। सन्ध्याकालं समासाद्य प्रत्याहारमकारयत् ॥८-६-५॥
Then, at the evening time, he gathered those who had achieved their goals and were joyful, and engaged them in exercises for a long time, leading to their withdrawal.
कृत्वावहारं सैन्यानां प्रविश्य शिबिरं स्वकम्। कुरवोऽऽत्महितं मन्त्रं मन्त्रयां चक्रिरे तदा ॥८-६-६॥
After withdrawing their forces and entering their camp, the Kauravas devised a strategy for their own advantage.
पर्यङ्केषु परार्ध्येषु स्पर्ध्यास्तरणवत्सु च। वरासनेषूपविष्टाः सुखशय्यास्विवामराः ॥८-६-७॥
The gods were seated on luxurious couches with splendid coverings and excellent seats, as if they were on comfortable beds.
ततो दुर्योधनो राजा साम्ना परमवल्गुना। तानाभाष्य महेष्वासान्प्राप्तकालमभाषत ॥८-६-८॥
Then King Duryodhana, with his very charming diplomacy, addressed the great archers and spoke to them at the right moment.
मतिं मतिमतां श्रेष्ठाः सर्वे प्रब्रूत माचिरम्। एवं गते तु यत्कार्यं भवेत्कार्यकरं नृपाः ॥८-६-९॥
O best of the wise, please express your thoughts without delay. In this situation, what actions should the kings take to ensure effectiveness?
एवमुक्ते नरेन्द्रेण नरसिंहा युयुत्सवः। चक्रुर्नानाविधाश्चेष्टाः सिंहासनगतास्तदा ॥८-६-१०॥
When the king spoke thus, the heroes, eager for battle, engaged in various activities while seated on their thrones.
तेषां निशम्येङ्गितानि युद्धे प्राणाञ्जुहूषताम्। समुद्वीक्ष्य मुखं राज्ञो बालार्कसमवर्चसः ॥ आचार्यपुत्रो मेधावी वाक्यज्ञो वाक्यमाददे ॥८-६-११॥
Upon hearing the gestures of those desiring to sacrifice their lives in battle, and observing the face of the king, which shone like the rising sun, the wise son of the teacher, skilled in speech, began to speak.
रागो योगस्तथा दाक्ष्यं नयश्चेत्यर्थसाधकाः। उपायाः पण्डितैः प्रोक्ताः सर्वे दैवसमाश्रिताः ॥८-६-१२॥
"Passion, union, skill, and policy are considered means of success. All methods, as stated by the wise, are ultimately dependent on fate."
लोकप्रवीरा येऽस्माकं देवकल्पा महारथाः। नीतिमन्तस्तथा युक्ता दक्षा रक्ताश्च ते हताः ॥८-६-१३॥
The heroes of our world, who were like gods and great charioteers, wise, skilled, capable, and devoted, have been slain.
न त्वेव कार्यं नैराश्यमस्माभिर्विजयं प्रति। सुनीतैरिह सर्वार्थैर्दैवमप्यनुलोम्यते ॥८-६-१४॥
We should not despair in our pursuit of victory. Here, through good policies and all possible means, even fate aligns with us.
ते वयं प्रवरं नॄणां सर्वैर्गुणगणैर्युतम्। कर्णं सेनापतिं कृत्वा प्रमथिष्यामहे रिपून् ॥८-६-१५॥
We, having appointed Karna, who is endowed with all excellent qualities of men, as the general, will crush the enemies.
ततो दुर्योधनः प्रीतः प्रियं श्रुत्वा वचस्तदा। प्रीतिसंस्कारसंयुक्तं तथ्यमात्महितं शुभम् ॥८-६-१६॥
Then Duryodhana was pleased after hearing the pleasant and truthful words, which were auspicious and beneficial to himself, and were endowed with affectionate culture.
स्वं मनः समवस्थाप्य बाहुवीर्यमुपाश्रितः। दुर्योधनो महाराज राधेयमिदमब्रवीत् ॥८-६-१७॥
King Duryodhana, having composed his mind and relying on his own strength, addressed Radheya with these words.
कर्ण जानामि ते वीर्यं सौहृदं च परं मयि। तथापि त्वां महाबाहो प्रवक्ष्यामि हितं वचः ॥८-६-१८॥
Karna, I am aware of your valor and the profound friendship you have for me. Nevertheless, O mighty-armed warrior, I shall convey words that are for your benefit.
श्रुत्वा यथेष्टं च कुरु वीर यत्तव रोचते। भवान्प्राज्ञतमो नित्यं मम चैव परा गतिः ॥८-६-१९॥
"Having heard, act as you desire, O hero, in a manner that pleases you. You are always the wisest and indeed my ultimate refuge."
भीष्मद्रोणावतिरथौ हतौ सेनापती मम। सेनापतिर्भवानस्तु ताभ्यां द्रविणवत्तरः ॥८-६-२०॥
Bhishma and Drona, my generals, who were like descended charioteers, have been killed. You should be the general, more resourceful than those two.
वृद्धौ च तौ महेष्वासौ सापेक्षौ च धनञ्जये। मानितौ च मया वीरौ राधेय वचनात्तव ॥८-६-२१॥
O son of Radha, those two great archers have grown dependent on Dhananjaya. They are respected heroes by me, as per your words.
पितामहत्वं सम्प्रेक्ष्य पाण्डुपुत्रा महारणे। रक्षितास्तात भीष्मेण दिवसानि दशैव ह ॥८-६-२२॥
Observing the role of Bhishma as the grandfather, the sons of Pandu were safeguarded by him for ten days during the great battle, O dear one.
न्यस्तशस्त्रे च भवति हतो भीष्मः पितामहः। शिखण्डिनं पुरस्कृत्य फल्गुनेन महाहवे ॥८-६-२३॥
In the great battle, Bhishma, the revered grandfather, is slain when Arjuna places Shikhandi in front, having laid down his weapons.
हते तस्मिन्महाभागे शरतल्पगते तदा। त्वयोक्ते पुरुषव्याघ्र द्रोणो ह्यासीत्पुरःसरः ॥८-६-२४॥
When that great-souled one was slain and lay on the bed of arrows, then, O tiger among men, Droṇa indeed was at the forefront, as you had said:
तेनापि रक्षिताः पार्थाः शिष्यत्वादिह संयुगे। स चापि निहतो वृद्धो धृष्टद्युम्नेन सत्वरम् ॥८-६-२५॥
The sons of Pṛthā were protected by him in the battle because he was their disciple. However, the elder was swiftly killed by Dhṛṣṭadyumna.
निहताभ्यां प्रधानाभ्यां ताभ्याममितविक्रम। त्वत्समं समरे योधं नान्यं पश्यामि चिन्तयन् ॥८-६-२६॥
Reflecting on the two slain chiefs, O one of immeasurable prowess, I see no other warrior equal to you in battle.
भवानेव तु नः शक्तो विजयाय न संशयः। पूर्वं मध्ये च पश्चाच्च तवैव विदितं हि तत् ॥८-६-२७॥
"You are indeed the one capable of ensuring our victory, without a doubt. It is known to you what happened before, during, and after."
स भवान्धुर्यवत्सङ्ख्ये धुरमुद्वोढुमर्हसि। अभिषेचय सेनान्ये स्वयमात्मानमात्मना ॥८-६-२८॥
You, like a leader in battle, should bear the burden. Anoint yourself as a general by your own effort.
देवतानां यथा स्कन्दः सेनानीः प्रभुरव्ययः। तथा भवानिमां सेनां धार्तराष्ट्रीं बिभर्तु मे ॥ जहि शत्रुगणान्सर्वान्महेन्द्र इव दानवान् ॥८-६-२९॥
Just as Skanda is the eternal commander and lord of the gods, may you also uphold my army of the Kauravas. Vanquish all the enemies like Indra does with the demons.
अवस्थितं रणे ज्ञात्वा पाण्डवास्त्वां महारथम्। द्रविष्यन्ति सपाञ्चाला विष्णुं दृष्ट्वेव दानवाः ॥ तस्मात्त्वं पुरुषव्याघ्र प्रकर्षेथा महाचमूम् ॥८-६-३०॥
Recognizing you as a formidable warrior in the battlefield, the Pandavas and the Panchalas will retreat, much like the demons do when they behold Vishnu. Hence, you, the valiant one, must lead the grand army.
भवत्यवस्थिते यत्ते पाण्डवा गतचेतसः। भविष्यन्ति सहामात्याः पाञ्चालैः सृञ्जयैः सह ॥८-६-३१॥
When the situation arises that your Pandavas, absorbed in thought, will align with their ministers, the Panchalas, and the Srinjayas.
यथा ह्यभ्युदितः सूर्यः प्रतपन्स्वेन तेजसा। व्यपोहति तमस्तीव्रं तथा शत्रून्व्यपोह नः ॥८-६-३२॥
Just as the sun rises and dispels the intense darkness with its brilliance, may our enemies be removed in the same way.
कर्ण उवाच॥
Karna said:
उक्तमेतन्मया पूर्वं गान्धारे तव संनिधौ। जेष्यामि पाण्डवान्राजन्सपुत्रान्सजनार्दनान् ॥८-६-३३॥
I have already declared this before, O Gandhari, in your presence: I shall defeat the Pandavas, O King, along with their sons and allies.
सेनापतिर्भविष्यामि तवाहं नात्र संशयः। स्थिरो भव महाराज जितान्विद्धि च पाण्डवान् ॥८-६-३४॥
"I will be your commander, there is no doubt about it. Remain steadfast, O great king, and know that the Pandavas have been defeated."
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
एवमुक्तो महातेजास्ततो दुर्योधनो नृपः। उत्तस्थौ राजभिः सार्धं देवैरिव शतक्रतुः ॥ सेनापत्येन सत्कर्तुं कर्णं स्कन्दमिवामराः ॥८-६-३५॥
Thus addressed, the greatly radiant King Duryodhana rose with the kings, akin to Indra with the gods, to honor Karna as the commander, like the immortals did with Skanda.
ततोऽभिषिषिचुस्तूर्णं विधिदृष्टेन कर्मणा। दुर्योधनमुखा राजन्राजानो विजयैषिणः ॥ शातकौम्भमयैः कुम्भैर्माहेयैश्चाभिमन्त्रितैः ॥८-६-३६॥
Then, O king, the kings led by Duryodhana, eager for victory, quickly anointed him according to the prescribed rites, using sacred and consecrated golden pots.
तोयपूर्णैर्विषाणैश्च द्वीपिखड्गमहर्षभैः। मणिमुक्तामयैश्चान्यैः पुण्यगन्धैस्तथौषधैः ॥८-६-३७॥
The scene is adorned with vessels filled with water, horns, leopards, swords, and great bulls. There are gems and pearls, along with other fragrant scents and medicinal herbs, creating an atmosphere of opulence and sanctity.
औदुम्बरे समासीनमासने क्षौमसंवृतम्। शास्त्रदृष्टेन विधिना सम्भारैश्च सुसम्भृतैः ॥८-६-३८॥
Seated on a fig tree seat covered with linen, following the method prescribed by the scriptures, with well-prepared materials.
जय पार्थान्सगोविन्दान्सानुगांस्त्वं महाहवे। इति तं बन्दिनः प्राहुर्द्विजाश्च भरतर्षभ ॥८-६-३९॥
The bards and Brahmins proclaimed, "Victory to the sons of Pritha, along with Govinda and their followers, in the great battle!" addressing him as the best of the Bharatas.
जहि पार्थान्सपाञ्चालान्राधेय विजयाय नः। उद्यन्निव सदा भानुस्तमांस्युग्रैर्गभस्तिभिः ॥८-६-४०॥
"O son of Radha, conquer the sons of Pritha and the Panchalas for our victory, just as the ever-rising sun dispels darkness with its fierce rays."
न ह्यलं त्वद्विसृष्टानां शराणां ते सकेशवाः। कृतघ्नाः सूर्यरश्मीनां ज्वलतामिव दर्शने ॥८-६-४१॥
"O Keshava, your released arrows are not enough, just like the ungrateful cannot bear the sight of the blazing sun rays."
न हि पार्थाः सपाञ्चालाः स्थातुं शक्तास्तवाग्रतः। आत्तशस्त्रस्य समरे महेन्द्रस्येव दानवाः ॥८-६-४२॥
The sons of Pṛthā and the Pāñcālas cannot stand before you in battle, just as the demons could not stand before Mahendra with weapons drawn.
अभिषिक्तस्तु राधेयः प्रभया सोऽमितप्रभः। व्यत्यरिच्यत रूपेण दिवाकर इवापरः ॥८-६-४३॥
Radheya, anointed and possessing immeasurable radiance, surpassed others in form, appearing like another sun.
सेनापत्येन राधेयमभिषिच्य सुतस्तव। अमन्यत तदात्मानं कृतार्थं कालचोदितः ॥८-६-४४॥
Your son, having been anointed as the general by Karna, then considered himself successful, driven by the force of time.
कर्णोऽपि राजन्सम्प्राप्य सेनापत्यमरिंदमः। योगमाज्ञापयामास सूर्यस्योदयनं प्रति ॥८-६-४५॥
Karna, having been appointed as the general, instructed preparations to be made for the battle at sunrise, O king, subduer of enemies.
तव पुत्रैर्वृतः कर्णः शुशुभे तत्र भारत। देवैरिव यथा स्कन्दः सङ्ग्रामे तारकामये ॥८-६-४६॥
Karna, surrounded by your sons, shone there, O Bharata, just as Skanda did in the battle against Tārakāsura.
